Locking up products to combat shoplifting is bad for business, drugstore CEO reports
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While many big-box chains now lock up merchandise as a means of combatting theft -- requiring shoppers to buzz for help in releasing a stick of deodorant or pack of disposable razors -- at least one retailer has publicly admitted that the practice is bad for business.
Walgreens CEO reveals anti-theft measures of locking up products had the opposite effect
CEO Tim Wentworth admitted in a recent fiscal report call that combatting shoplifting by locking up items has led to customer dissatisfaction.
Walgreens says locking up products from shoplifters hurt sales
Keeping products under lock and key dissuaded customers from purchasing them, Walgreens said in earnings call.
Walgreens CEO says locking up merchandise harmed sales
"When you lock things up … you don't sell as many of them. We've kind of proven that pretty conclusively," Wentworth said. "I don't have anything magnificent to share with you today. It is a hand-to-hand combat battle still,
Walgreens CEO on shoplifting strategy: 'Lock things up ... you don't sell as many'
Retailers have been faced with increases in shoplifting and retail theft. But anti-theft prevention can hurt retail sales, says the CEO of Walgreens.
Walgreens CEO just now realizes locked shelves were a bad idea
Walgreens’ strategy of locking up merchandise — from deodorants to bags of M&M’s — to deter theft has backfired, according to CEO Tim Wentworth. “It is a hand-to-hand combat battle still, unfortunately,
Walgreens CEO Admits Locking Up Products Had Negative Effects
Despite efforts to prevent retail theft, Walgreens reported a 32% in "shrink," or a loss of inventory that can’t be accounted for through sales.
Walgreens CEO Admits Locking Up Products Backfired, Sales Decreased
In a Q1 2025 earnings call, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth admitted that its approach to tackling shoplifting at its stores has backfired. Per Fortune, Wentworth spoke about the state of the company,
Walgreens CEO Says Locking up Items to Deter Theft Not Effective
Some retailers, like Walgreens, report that locking items behind displays to deter shoplifting may not be effective. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth recently described theft prevention in stores as an ongoing and challenging struggle.
New shoplifting data explains why they’re locking up the toothpaste
Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — remain higher than they were before ...
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Walgreens Says Locking Up Products Has Hurt Sales
The CEO of Walgreens admits that locking up products to deter theft is irritating paying customers and is hurting sales. The company has found that people will leave without buying products ...
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Locked up and losing out
Walgreens and retailers are dealing with a delicate balancing act between securing goods from theft while ensuring that ...
Walgreens used this strategy to reduce theft. Turns out, it was bad for business
While locking up merchandise can reduce theft, it also deters paying customers, according to Walgreens. Over the years the pharmacy chain used strategy to combat shoplifting. Walgreens CEO Tim ...